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Dear Neighbor,
As we watch the devastation that continues to unfold south of us and pray for our neighbors who have endured the worst of Hurricane Ian, we realize how fortunate we were to have been spared a direct hit from this catastrophic hurricane. While almost 500,000 homes throughout Tampa Bay lost power, local officials report relatively minimal damage to public infrastructure throughout Tampa Bay. I have been in touch with our local power companies, and they are working feverishly to restore power to everyone. I’m grateful to the many volunteer linemen who have come from neighboring states to assist with restoration efforts. I am also extremely grateful to the team of local experts who worked around the clock last week to help keep everyone safe. I participated in many meetings last week, and can attest that they truly are second to none. These professionals did a tremendous job coordinating efforts. I stopped by to thank them last week and learned that many are now shifting their effort to help those in our neighboring counties to the south who are struggling to meet the most basic needs of their residents. This is a wonderful example of Floridians coming together to support one another during times of need.
Unfortunately, many homes and local businesses experienced individual damage. Despite the entire Florida Federal Delegation asking President Biden to declare all 67 counties a designated disaster area, the President only included nine counties in the declaration he issued. Locally, Hillsborough and Pinellas were included in his order. Therefore, individuals or businesses in Pinellas and Hillsborough who sustained losses can begin applying for immediate FEMA assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The Small Business Administration also provides loans to individuals and businesses in counties included in the declaration. Learn more by clicking here.
Residents of counties that were not included in the Presidential declaration are unfortunately ineligible for FEMA aid at this time. I’m working with a bipartisan group of my colleagues and have asked once again for the President to amend his disaster declaration. Our hope is that he will change his mind and provide relief to all Floridians who experienced damage from Hurricane Ian.
In the meantime, my team and I will continue to be on the ground helping in any way we can. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for resources to help our communities fully recover. If you need anything, please call my office at 727-232-2921 and we will do everything we can to assist you. As you will notice, this week’s newsletter focuses on hurricane relief. I was not in DC last week, as I was here with my constituents and family working to prepare and respond to the hurricane.
Reminding You of Important Safety Tips
- As local officials continue to assess damages throughout the coming week, law enforcement is reminding motorists to use extra caution, especially when traveling through standing water. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the center lines of the road due to water, you should not drive through it. Find another route.
- Emergency officials also are stressing the proper use of generators, for those who have them, and are still without power. Generators should be kept in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. They should NOT be operated in high winds and rain. And they must be turned off and cooled down before refueling.
- Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after the loss of power. Find out what you can do to keep food safe during a power outage, and when you need to throw away food that could make you sick here.
Helping Seniors
Area Agencies on Aging are coordinating with other agencies to answer local Elder Helpline calls during power outages. If you are a senior who needs help, please call (1-800-96-ELDER).
Re-uniting with Loved Ones in Hardest Hit Places
Many people have called to inquire how they can find out information about their loved ones who live in counties that were most heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian. The Florida State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) 800-342-3557 has been activated. This would be the best place for constituents to call with questions about reunification. Also, the state has released a new tracking tool where loved ones can report those who are missing and believed to be in danger. Click here to learn more.
Reporting Damages to Small Businesses
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. This assessment does NOT serve as an application for resources, including the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Results from the Business Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the Florida ESF 18 desk at 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Learning How You Can Help
There are many local organizations seeking volunteers. If you are interested in being a part of recovery efforts, you can check with your favorite non-profit organization or you can visit the state’s website, volunteerflorida.org to find ways you can help others who have been impacted.
Reporting Damage to Local Governments
Each local government is responsible for assessing and reporting hurricane damage.
Pasco County Government is also offering an online tool to report storm damage and debris following Hurricane Ian. This is the fastest way to get help and schedule inspections with the county. You can also upload a photo, too. Just click here to send information about the following non-emergency damages directly to county assessment teams: Structural damage to homes/businesses; Storm debris, including downed trees/branches' and human needs, including food, water, clothing, and shelter.
For reporting damages to Pinellas County officials, click here. And, to report damages to Hillsborough County officials, call 1-833-872-4636
Providing Other Resources that May Be Useful
National Flood Insurance Program
Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. Policyholders impacted by Hurricane Ian are encouraged to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible for more information about filing a claim. Get more details about filing a claim here, or reach NFIP assistance directly, or by calling 1-877-336-2627.
Once starting a claim, FEMA suggests documenting all damage, including photos and videos, recording serial numbers and securing receipts. FEMA also recommends policyholders should take steps to stop the spread of mold if safe to do so.
Citizens Property Insurance
Citizens Property Insurance is urging policyholders to contact them as soon as possible in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Citizens representatives can be reached online, or by calling 1-866-411-2742. Additionally, Citizens is warning policyholders to be wary of unlicensed contractors and “deals that sound too good to be true.” Policyholders are discouraged from signing anything before consulting with an insurance agent. Citizens policyholders can report suspected fraud online here or by calling 1-855-748-9596.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers disaster recovery assistance following Presidentially-declared disasters. Read more from HUD here.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent after my team helped get sandbags delivered last week to her senior living building. She and her neighbors were unable to drive to the county location and pick up the needed sandbags.
Thank you so much for helping me and my neighbors. There are 86 units in our building all filled with elderly people. We appreciate you working with the county and Commissioner Mariano to help get sandbags delivered to us. Thank you!
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you! |
